50 years of Australian Trucking history goes on show at BCEC

By Gail Sawyer
29 May. 2017|News

Some of the biggest rigs on the road today have rolled into the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre for the 50th anniversary Brisbane Truck Show.

From humble beginnings with a 21 truck and trailer show at Rocklea in 1968, this year’s event boasts 300 exhibits with the industry’s heaviest vehicles, trucks, trailers and the latest accessories on display over three levels of the Convention Centre.

As the largest event of its type in the southern hemisphere, the Brisbane Truck Show stands alone as the premier event in Australia for the transport industry showcasing the latest in heavy vehicles, technology, engineering and innovation.

More than 35,000 visitors from around Australia and across the globe will visit the show contributing an additional expenditure of over $70 million into the Queensland economy.

The Truck Show is organised by the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) the national association representing and advancing the interests of manufacturers and suppliers of heavy vehicles.

HVIA CEO Brett Wright said innovation was a strong focus of this year’s show. “This major milestone is a reflection of the innovation and resilience of the Australian heavy vehicle industry. As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations we have developed the Heavy Vehicle Industry Innovation Centre showcasing the latest research and development and connecting businesses with support programs and services.”

BCEC General Manager, Bob O’Keeffe welcomed the iconic Truck Show back to the Centre. “The 2017 Brisbane Truck Show is the fourth held at the Centre and with its long and proud tradition it gets bigger and better. The Truck Show is in a class of its own with regard to size and scale and has enormous appeal and benefit for Brisbane.”

With 35,000 expected corporate buyers and truck enthusiasts through the doors of the Convention Centre this weekend BCEC’s kitchens will prepare more than 18,000 meals, and serve up to 40,000 beverages.